How to be incredibly charming: 10 things highly likable people always do

Occasionally we meet a person who almost immediately makes us feel special. They're courteous, friendly, and charismatic, they build and maintain great relationships, they consistently influence (in a good way) the people around them, and they almost always make us feel better about ourselves.

They're the kind of people we like to be around and wish we were more like.

1. They shift the spotlight to you.

No one receives enough praise. No one. So charismatic people start by telling you what you did well.

And while you might say you don't know what another person did well, in most cases you should. It's your job to find out ahead of time, and if you can't, to ask that person enough questions so you will.

People will not only appreciate your praise -- they'll also appreciate the fact you care enough to pay attention to what they do.

And then they'll feel a little more accomplished and a lot more important, and they'll love you for making them feel that way.

2. They listen much more than they talk.

They ask questions. They maintain eye contact. They smile, they frown, they nod -- they respond, not so much verbally, but nonverbally.

That's all it takes to show another other person that he or she is important.

Then, when you do speak, don't offer advice unless you're asked. Listening shows you care a lot more than offering advice does, because when you offer advice, in most cases, you make the conversation about you.

Don't believe me? Who is "Here's what I would do ..." about: You or the other person?

Only speak when you have something important to say -- and always define important as what matters to the other person, not to you.

(Thomas Barwick via Getty Images)

3. They don't practice selective hearing.

Some people -- I guarantee you know at least one or two -- are incapable of hearing anything said by someone they feel is somehow beneath them.

Sure, you speak to them, but that particular falling tree doesn't make a sound in their forest because they're not actually listening.

Charismatic people listen closely to everyone, and they make all of us, regardless of our position or social status or "level," feel like we have something in common with them.

Because we do. We're all human.

(Alistair Berg via Getty Images)

4. They're thoughtful simply because they can be.

I pulled into a service bay to get my oil changed. As I got out of the car, one of the techs said, "Man, those are nice wheels. Too bad they're so dirty." He smiled, just teasing.

"I know," I said. "My next stop is the car wash." Then I went inside to wait.

When I walked to my car to leave, the tech was just standing up, filthy rags in his hand. "It took some work, but I got 'em all clean," he said. Every rim sparkled. Every speck of brake dust was gone.

"Wow, that's awesome, but you didn't have to do that," I said.

"We're not very busy," he shrugged. "I had time. Figured I would make 'em look better." Just then a car pulled into another bay so he hustled away, saying over his shoulder, "Have a good day."

That was years ago, but I still haven't forgotten it.

Instead of turning idle time into "me time," likable people use their free time to do something nice -- not because they're expected to, but just because they can.

5. They focus totally on you.

They don't check their phone. They don't glance at their monitor. They don't focus on anything else, even for a moment.

You can never connect with others if you're too busy connecting with your stuff.

Give the gift of your full attention. That's a gift few people give. That gift alone will make others want to be around you and remember you.

6. They don't seem self-important ...

The only people who are impressed by your stuffy, pretentious, self-important self are other stuffy, pretentious, self-important people.

The rest of us aren't impressed. We're irritated, put off, and uncomfortable.

And we hate when you walk in the room.

(Thomas Barwick via Getty Images)

7. ... Because they clearly feel other people are more important.

You already know what you know. You know your opinions. You know your perspectives and points of view.

But you don't know what other people know, and everyone, no matter who he or she is, knows things you don't know.

That makes other people a lot more important than you -- because you can learn from them.

(Monkey Business Images Ltd via Getty Images)

8. They think before they speak.

The words you use impact the attitude of others.

For example, you don't have to go to a meeting; you get to go meet with other people. You don't have to create a presentation for a new client; you get to share cool stuff with other people. You don't have to go to the gym; you get to work out and improve your health and fitness.

You don't have to interview job candidates; you get to select a great person to join your team.

We all want to associate with happy, enthusiastic, fulfilled people. The words you choose can help other people feel better about themselves -- and make you feel better about yourself, too.

9. They don't talk about where others fall short ...

Granted, we all like hearing a little gossip. We all like hearing a little dirt.

The problem is, we don't necessarily like -- and we definitely don't respect -- the people who dish that dirt.

Don't laugh at other people. When you do, the people around you wonder if you sometimes laugh at them.

10. ... But they readily admit where they fall short.

Incredibly successful people are often assumed to have charisma simply because they're successful. Their success seems to create a halo effect, almost like a glow.

The key word is seem.

You don't have to be incredibly successful to be remarkably charismatic. Scratch the shiny surface, and many successful people have all the charisma of a rock.

But you do have to be incredibly genuine to be remarkably charismatic.